Author: Rebecca Manari | April 14th, 2022
Like many others, I too used to be a parent who said no to screen time for my son Ryan (name changed) when he was a toddler, and I was so proud of it!
However, when Ryan was about a year old, the dreaded pandemic hit, and I had no extra help caring for him while I worked from home full time. I did the inevitable. The TV and smartphone turned into “nannies” at times when I just HAD to work without any interruption.
This was not an ideal situation, but the pandemic created plenty of difficult situations in many households, particularly those with children with additional needs. Our household was no exception. Before long, I realised it was impossible to work from home full time, be a full-time parent and maintain good mental health. So, I quit my job to completely focus on Ryan’s needs.
However, the screens stayed. I not only have two other children to care for but like so many mums I also need to run my home! Screens were a way to make sure Ryan stayed put where I could see him while I went about being a full-time mom and homemaker. This doesn’t mean that I didn’t ashamed to be allowing and encouraging screen time just for the sake of my sanity.
Strangely, as time passed I could see screens actually turning out to be a blessing. Screens helped me realise that not only was Ryan a visual learner, but that he was gifted with a brilliant memory – helping him master shapes and colours, and build on his fascination with numbers.
YouTube videos opened up a world of volcanoes and dinosaurs that thrilled and fascinated Ryan. He is just three and has turned into my personal palaeontology professor.
Some studies report that excessive screen time negatively impacts autistic symptoms, while others state that removing screen time altogether or decreasing it drastically may lead to problem behaviour for autistic children.
All I can report is that so far, screens have not affected Ryans’ communication or interactions. I believe this is because of 2 reasons:
1) I strictly monitor what, when and for how long he is allowed screens, and
2) I ensure plenty of opportunities to play and interact with me, his siblings and other family members.
Ryan’s interest videos haven’t seemed to have taken away from his social engagement and interaction with others. His vocabulary is growing, he continues to love games of hide and seek with his sister, has a vivid imagination and can be a little prankster when he wants to!
I make sure Ryan goes outside to play, set up play dates for him, practice toy rotation, and join him in his favourite games whenever I have the time. Screens are a small portion of his long and active day.
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